Tucked away Victoria Art League showcases history, contemporary work

June 30, 2011 at 1:30 a.m.

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INTRODUCTIONUnless you know where to look, you might never stumble into the Victoria Art League and its historic compound.

But each day here on South Bridge Street, artists create and showcase contemporary works, and even teach others to do the same.

What makes this tucked-away complex so interesting? Not only does it paint a glimpse of the city's history, the compound houses efforts to move Victoria artistically into the future.

HISTORICAL INFORMATIONC.L. Thurmond built the complex's main structure, 905 S. Bridge St., in 1898 as a New Orleans-styled "house of pleasure" - complete with a bar and rooms for prostitution, according to Harold Nichols, a Victoria artist and author. Since then, the building was used as a grocery store, mercantile outlet, residence and Farmers Co-Op.

Nichols and investors bought the property in the mid-1970s and renovated it. The Victoria Art League, founded in 1966, bought the complex - a Texas Historical Landmark - from Nichols a little more than 10 years ago.

APARTMENT INFORMATIONThe complex boasts two rustic apartments, each which are rented.

The ground floor apartment has a ceiling so tall it offers space for a loft bedroom.

The other apartment begins on the second floor and, via a spiral staircases, continues to the third floor, which opens to a wraparound porch and long-reaching views.